UPFRONT
Garbrecht Leaving KBA
DALLAS—Holger Garbrecht, KBA North America's president and CEO, has stepped down effective August 31 and has returned to Germany for what the press manufacturer termed family reasons. The company was expected to name a new North American chief executive shortly. Garbrecht joined KBA in October of 2007, replacing Ralf Sammeck. Earlier this year, he oversaw the North American division's move to Dallas, bringing the web and sheetfed units together in a single facility.
Suppliers Discount Rumors
NEW YORK—Press manufacturers Heidelberger Druckmaschinen and manroland AG are reportedly in merger talks. Bloomberg News quoted finance newsletter "Platow Brief," which said that German insurer Allianz SE—holder of a 12 percent share in Heidelberg and a 65 percent stake in manroland—is pressuring them to merge in order to protect its investments. Spokesmen for both companies would not comment on the report.
Creel Transfers Operations
LAS VEGAS—Creel Printing is streamlining operations by transferring Creel Printing of California's production and equipment to its 250,000-square-foot facility here. The move centralizes manufacturing and enhances its capabilities while reducing Creel's cost structure. Customers will reportedly realize postal savings, as well.
GPO Seeks Digital Input
WASHINGTON, DC—The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking opinions on advanced print technology used to produce Congressional and Federal agency publications. The RFI is looking for the types of new technology that will reduce paper waste and provide cost-effective solutions for short- and medium-run jobs, such as the Congressional Record and Federal Register.
Jetline Moving Operations
MOUNT VERNON, NY—Jetline LLC is shuttering its commercial printing plant here by around October 1, and will relocate to another larger East Coast facility. Its current building is 100,000 square feet, and the firm is seeking to obtain a plant with roughly 150,000 square feet. Workers were given the opportunity to relocate with the company. Jetline prints brochures, magazines, catalogs and promotional items.
Webcrafters Orders Prosper
MADISON, WI—National book printer Webcrafters Inc. signed a letter of intent to purchase a Kodak Prosper press. Webcrafters will use the press, which incorporates Stream ink-jet technology, in its manufacturing of book products ranging from educational and college to trade books, catalogs and atlases. Its clients include publishers The McGraw-Hill Cos., Pearson plc and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Action Acquires Denison
PLYMOUTH, MN—Action Mailing Services has acquired the assets of Bloomington, MN-based Denison Mailing Service. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The companies have combined revenues of more than $8 million. Action Mailing Services specializes in mailing, fulfillment and digital printing services. Denison provides Action with high-speed, in-line packaging and digital book publishing and finishing.
Gannett Wisconsin Closing
FOND DU LAC, WI—Gannett Wisconsin Media is closing its printing and production plant here by September 20, according to The Business Journal of Milwaukee. The closure will result in the loss of 47 jobs. The plant currently prints the Fond du Lac Reporter. Production of that paper will be shifted to Gannett Wisconsin Media's Appleton, WI, facility, according to the newspaper.
Herald Printing Shuttered
SACRAMENTO, CA—Herald Printing, which prints newspaper inserts, grocery ads and coupon books, has closed after 59 years in business, according to the Sacramento Bee. A total of 43 employees are impacted by the move. Owner Ralph Danel Jr. told the paper that he couldn't secure a bank loan to keep the business afloat. According to the Bee, Herald Printing posted sales of $26 million and employed 150 people at its peak.
New Name for BBF Printing
LARGO, FL—In an effort to reflect its status as an integral part of its customers' total business solutions, BBF Printing Solutions has changed its name to BBF Integrated Solutions, effective immediately.
Don Huttlin, president of BBF, said the change incorporates the wide range of product and service offerings provided by the company beyond traditional printing. BBF is a Clondalkin Group company.
Valassis Wins Judgment
LIVONIA, MI—Valassis, a media and marketing services company, announced that the company was awarded $300 million for compensatory damages in its lawsuit against News America Marketing (NAM), a subsidiary of News Corp. In the trial, held in Michigan's Wayne County Circuit Court, Valassis claimed unfair competition and tortious interference by NAM. The jury's verdict found NAM liable for both counts, according to Valassis. PI
